Thriving with Yoga update page

YogaCaps, Inc.

             Thriving With Yoga: for people living with cancer

                                "I just love all [yoga] poses as they make me feel so whole and that it is just for me, even though I'm sharing the
                                    positive energy of everyone here. Good feeling. Good Growth".


There is a growing body of research about the benefits of yoga and meditation practices for those living with cancer. Yoga has the potential to:
                         ·   restore range of motion
                         ·   rebuild strength and stamina
                         ·  relieve tension, fatigue and anxiety
                         ·   bring a sense of calm
                         ·   strengthen our sense of well-being
                        ·   enhance sleep
                         ·   control pain and discomfort
                         ·   help witness emotion with self-compassion
           
The "Thriving with Yoga" project was born in December 2007, when, each week we would transform the Corporate Office of A Market Natural Foods in Manchester, NH into a yoga studio. From conference room to conveyance room as we travelled to that place of inner stillness, enjoying the tranformational gifts of yoga. Our practice includes gentle Hatha postures with appropriate adjustments, Pranayam (powerful breathing exercises that circulate life force), Concentration/meditation exercises and Yoga Nidra (special relaxation techniques).

As each 8-week series ends since then, we continue to hold special gratitude for this honor of getting to know the wonderful women in the class. They have inspired us simply through being who they are and sharing what they have learned on their journey. You can read about some of their experiences in India New England.

Here are some additional reflections from the members about the powerfully healing aspects of yoking mind and body to allow spirit to ascend through the practice of yoga and meditation:

- I know I’ve increased flexibility and begun relieving tight, stressed spots (muscles).

- I really was able to be very involved with my poses. I came to class in a lot of pain in my lower back and right leg. I was able to release that pain
through concentration and comfortable form. I feel more comfortable and familiar with breathing easy and more familiar with several poses and
positioning.

- Gratification, serenity, uplifting.  I am so glad that I have taken your class!

- Wonderful! Wonderful! You are a great teacher. Your peace has brought me peace. You are showing me that I matter to myself in ways I did not
  realize. I’m relaxing that my inner being is there and I am getting in touch with it in serenity.

- I felt very connected to everyone in the class. I am now learning how to ‘let go’. This class was a beautiful experience for me. I feel I have learned that
anything we need to enhance our physical, spiritual, emotional self is all within ourselves. I am practicing this and reminding myself.

- I think it was just what we all needed. We learned many yoga poses, found a sense of calmness and fulfillment, became flexible again and released
tension - and now we have these tools. It was designed perfectly for breast cancer patients who have just finished treatment because it was not too
strenuous for them.

- I’ve begun to do some short series of poses at home and it’s very helpful to my flexibility and mental attitude - I’m liking it!

- I feel more relaxed than ever before.

-The pigeon pose made me feel a lot like my life. I personally feel I was working through difficulty and finding my own comfort and strength.

- Has greatly helped with my fatigue and tension.

- I love the beautiful people in this group.

- My 4 year old grand daughter enjoys doing yoga with me!

- [Yoga] definitely has taught me to find stillness.

- I feel lighter in spirit.

- I’m worth this.



Along with Team Survivor we send appreciation to Franco-American Centre who hosts our classes, as well as our founding sponsor the Mass Yoga Network, and supporters: A Market Natural Foods, Peaceful Company, Pillow Company, Heart of Spirit Healing and Sports Authority who joined with us to add special elements to the class.

Now that we have a larger space, enrollment is open! Please register prior to attending, and join us at the Franco-American Centre on Concrod Street in downtown Manchester, NH. 

To register for the class, please click here.




YogaCaps, Inc. is a 501(3)(c) all volunteer nonprofit organization dedicated to education and research on safe, natural and effective yoga techniques that are affordable, easy to do and promote a deep sense of well-being.

Team Survivor Granite State is an affiliate of the National Association of Team Survivor providing fun fitness activities with emotional support as an ongoing part of the healing process for women living with cancer.